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Drought may impact plant–soil biotic interactions in ways that modify aboveground herbivore performance, but the outcomes of such biotic interactions under future climate are not yet clear. We performed a growth chamber experiment to assess how long‐term, drought‐driven changes in belowground communities influence plant growth and herbivore performance using a plant–soil feedback experimental framework. We focussed on two common pasture legumes—lucerne, Medicago sativa L., and white clover, Trifolium repens L. (both Fabaceae)—and foliar herbivores—cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and two‐spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae). Soil was collected from a field facility where rainfall had been manipulated for 6 years, focussing on treatments representing ambient rainfall and prolonged drought (50% reduction relative to ambient), to consider the effects of biological legacies mediated by the prolonged drought. All soils were sterilized and re‐inoculated to establish the respective home (i.e. where a given plant is cultivated in its own soil) and away (i.e. where a given plant is cultivated in another species' soil) treatments in addition to a sterile control. We found that the relative growth rate (RGR) and relative consumption of larvae were significantly lower on lucerne grown in soil with ambient rainfall legacies conditioned by white clover. Conversely, the RGR of insect larvae was lower on white clover grown in soil with prolonged drought legacies conditioned by lucerne. Two‐spotted spider mite populations and area damage (mm2) were significantly reduced on white clover grown in lucerne‐conditioned soil in drought legacies. The higher number of nodules found on white clover in lucerne‐conditioned soil suggests that root–rhizobia associations may have reduced foliar herbivore performance. Our study provides evidence that foliar herbivores are affected by plant–soil biotic interactions and that prolonged drought may influence aboveground–belowground linkages with potential broader ecosystem impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing drought tolerance in crops and understanding the underlying mechanisms have been subject of intense research. The precise function and molecular mechanisms of B-box zinc finger proteins (BBX) remain elusive. Here, we report a natural allele of BBX18 (BBX18TT) that encodes a C-terminal truncated protein. While most wild tomato germplasms contain the BBX18CC allele and show more drought tolerant, modern cultivated tomatoes mostly carry BBX18TT allele and are more drought sensitive. Knockout of BBX18 leads to improved drought tolerance in transgenic plants of cultivated tomato. Ascorbate peroxidase 1 (APX1) is identified as a BBX18-interacting protein that acts as a positive regulator of drought resistance in tomato. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analyses reveal that BBX18 binds to a unique cis-acting element of the APX1 promoter and represses its gene expression. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism underlying drought resistance mediated by the BBX18-APX1 module in plants. Elucidation of drought tolerance mechanism would help to develop tolerant crops. Here, the authors reveal the interaction between BBX18, a zinc finger transcription factor, and ascorbate peroxidase (APX1) to mediate drought stress resistance in tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, red fruit production has thrived, primarily utilizing hydroponic methods to control crops, increase fruit yield and quality, and avoid soil-related problems. However, the irrigation of these expansive hydroponic farms relies heavily on water sourced from dams, many of which are contaminated with Microcystins (MCs). To address this contamination issue, ongoing research is focused on discovering effective and cost-efficient biological solutions for eliminating MCs. In this study, we isolate and identify bacterial strains capable of degrading MCs, evaluate the rate of degradation, and investigate how soil inoculated with these bacteria affects the accumulation of MCs in plant tissue. The partial 16S rRNA analyses of three bacterial sequences were conducted, identifying them through NCBI as follows: Ensifer sp. (B1) isolated from soil, Shinella sp. (B2) from a cyanobacterial bloom, and Stutzerimonas sp. (B3) from water. These bacteria exhibited the ability to degrade MCs, with approximately 34.75%, 73.75%, and 30.1% of the initial concentration (20 µg/L) being removed after a 6-day period for B1, B2, and B3, respectively. Moreover, strawberry plants were cultivated hydroponically in a greenhouse for a duration of 90 days. These plants were subjected to extracts of cyanobacteria containing 10 and 20 µg/L of Microcystins (MC), as well as water from an artificial lake contaminated with MC, both with and without the presence of isolated bacterial strains. Among these strains, Shinella sp. exhibited the highest efficacy in mitigating MC accumulation. Specifically, it resulted in a reduction of approximately 1.159 µg of MC per kilogram of root dry weight, leading to complete elimination in the leaves and fruits. The findings also indicated that the inoculation of perlite with the three MC-degrading bacterial strains significantly enhanced growth, photosynthetic pigments, yield, biochemical constituents, and quality attributes of strawberries (p ≤ 0.05). These promising outcomes suggest the potential of this approach for addressing the adverse impacts of crops irrigated with MC-contaminated water in future agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpinia is the largest genus of flowering plants in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and comprises about 500 species. Many Alpinia are commonly cultivated ornamental plants, and some are used as spices or traditional medicine to treat inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and cancers. However, only a few comprehensive reviews have been published on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of this genus, and the latest review was published in 2017. In this review, we provide an extensive coverage of the studies on Alpinia species reported from 2016 through 2023, including newly isolated compounds and potential biological effects. The present review article shows that Alpinia species have a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities, most due to the activities of diarylheptanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Priming enables plants to respond more promptly, minimise damage, and survive subsequent stress events. Here, we aimed to assess the efficacy of priming and cross-priming in mitigating the stress caused by waterlogging and/or dehydration in soybeans (Glycine max). Soybean plants were cultivated in a greenhouse in plastic pots in which soil moisture was maintained at pot capacity through irrigation. The first stress was applied in plants at the vegetative stage for 5 days and involved either dehydration or waterlogging, depending on the treatment. Subsequently, the plants were irrigated or drained and maintained at pot capacity until the second stress. For the second stress, the conditions were repeated in plants at the reproductive stage. We then evaluated the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), lipid peroxidation, total soluble sugars (TSS), amino acids, proline, and starch, and the activity of antioxidant, fermentative, and aminotransferase enzymes. Under waterlogging and dehydration, priming and cross-priming significantly increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of TSS, amino acids, and proline while reducing H2O2 concentration and lipid peroxidation. Under waterlogging, priming suppressed fermentative activity and increased carbohydrate content. This demonstrates that soybean plants activate their defence systems more promptly when subjected to priming. Priming is a method where the exposition of a plant to a mild stress before a severe one enables quicker stress response, and holds promise in mitigating water stress. This study assessed the efficacy of priming in combating waterlogging and dehydration in soybean (Glycine max) plants. Results revealed that priming significantly boosted antioxidant enzyme activity and organic compound levels while reducing oxidative damage. Such findings suggest that priming could help soybean cultivation, enhancing resilience against climate-induced adversities and ensuring global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) revealed a variety of active molecules and examined their biological characteristics. However, most of these studies were conducted on wild varieties, while cultivated plants were addressed less. This study aimed to characterize the biomolecules and biological activities of lemon grass growing under North African conditions in Morocco. Phenolic compound profiles of aqueous (AE), ethanol (EE), and methanol (ME) extracts and their fractions were obtained with steric exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G50 gel and identified by LC-MS/MS. Then, total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and antioxidant activities (FRAP: scavenging value and TAC: Total Antioxidant Capacity) of the fraction were evaluated, as well as the antimicrobial activity. The obtained results showed that the ME contained eight major compounds (i.e., apigenine-7-O-rutinoside and myricitine-3-O-rutinoside). The AE showed the presence of five molecules (i.e., kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide), while EE showed the presence of three molecules (i.e., quercetine-3-O-rutinoside). Regarding the chemical characterization, the highest value of total phenolic content (TPC) was obtained in AE (25) (4.60 ± 0.29 mg/g), and the highest value of total flavonoid content (TFC) was obtained in ME (29) (0.7 ± 0.08 mg/g). Concerning the antioxidant activity, the highest FRAP was obtained in ME (29) (97.89%), and the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was obtained in ME (29) (89.89%). Correlation between FRAP, TPC, and TFC was noted only in fractions of AE and ME. All tested extracts of C. citratus and their fractions showed a significant antimicrobial effect. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded for ME against E. coli. Extracts' biological activities and their fractions were governed by their active molecules. These data are new and clarify a novel aspect of bioactive molecules in the extracts of cultivated C. citratus. Equally, throughout this research, we clarified the relationship between identified molecules and their biological properties, including antioxidant and anti-microbial activities, which is new for the study area. This study is suggested as a reference for comparative studies and other assays of other biological activities for the study plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Guizotia abyssinica is a plant cultivated mainly in Ethiopian and Indian climate conditions. Its seeds can be used to produce oil or as feed for ornamental birds. In recent years, interest has increased in its use as a catch crop between crops in European conditions. However, owing to its rapid growth rate, attention has also been paid to the possibility of ensiling this plant and using it to prepare feed for cattle after harvesting 58, 68, and 90 days after seed sowing. The results of this research indicate that collecting silage material on the 90th day after sowing allows for the preparation of very good-quality silage. Guizotia abyssinica is currently being used for soil improvement; however, owing to its rapid growth and high productivity, it may have value as feed for ruminants, although this has not been well studied. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the silage quality of Guizotia abyssinica grown during the short season (July–October) as a catch crop in northern Europe when harvested 58, 68, and 90 days after sowing (DAS) over two production years. Ensiled material was analyzed to compare silage quality for the three different DAS. Two factors were analyzed factorially in the experiment: the silage preparation year (2018 or 2019) and the form of the ensiled material (fresh or wilted). We used 36 replications, 18 for each variant of the experimental factor. Harvesting at 58 DAS resulted in unsatisfactory forage fermentability, even after wilting. At 68 DAS, silage quality was satisfactory, but the dry matter content before ensiling was below 20% for both fresh and wilted forage, indicating limitations for silage use without additional wilting for that DAS harvest time. Dry matter content and water-soluble carbohydrates consistently increased as harvest was delayed. Thus, the highest silage quality was obtained from forage harvested 90 DAS regardless of differences in dry matter content. Therefore, it is possible to prepare silage at lower temperatures when the wilting process is limited by environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The journey of the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) from South America to the rest of the world has generated a prolific literature regarding the discovery of this crop, its early consumption and cultivation in the Old World. An important part of that literature concerns the Canary Islands. The islands were the only exception to the Spanish trade monopoly with the New World, which reserved Seville as the only port for imports and exports to the colonies. The first potatoes to arrive from America, both from the Andes and the Chiloé archipelago, passed through the Canary Islands, and it is likely that the islands were initially the place where this crop became acclimatised. The orography, the volcanic soils, the climate and the intermediate photoperiods of the islands contributed to the acclimatisation of potatoes that came from various origins of America. The current biodiversity of potatoes in the Canary Islands includes different cultivars, such as local ones that arrived from South America after the conquest, which have evolved on the islands and are taxonomically classified as Solanum ssp. tuberosum, Solanum ssp. andigena and Solanum chaucha. These potatoes have been preserved by farmers, generation after generation, with between 600 and 800 ha being devoted to their cultivation (mainly on the island of Tenerife), in a traditional way, though with low productivity, often due to high virus pressure. This article traces the history of ancient potatoes in the Canary Islands and investigates in depth the introduction of potatoes in Europe through the Canary Islands. It contributes to describing the cultivated plant genetic resources of the Solanum spp. as well as their current situation and cultivation. It also describes traditional cultivation practices, the importance of the in situ conservation of theses varieties and the threats that affect them such as the Guatemalan potato moth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research was conducted to compare the growth, yield, and phytochemical composition of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the open field and the soil and hydroponic cultivation in a greenhouse. Furthermore, the effect of foliar spraying of micronutrients on this crop was also evaluated. In each of the cultivation systems, foliar spraying of one micronutrient, either iron sulfate (Fe), zinc sulfate (Zn), copper sulfate (Cu), manganese sulfate (Mn), or boric acid (B), at a concentration of 0.1% was applied in a randomized complete block design. Plants grown in the hydroponic system had higher yield and biomass. The concentration of the elements K, Ca, Mg, N, P, Mn, Fe, B, and Zn in the leaves of hydroponic plants was higher. Contrarily, plants cultivated in the field showed higher stem dry weight, essential oil content, phenolic and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity. The level of methyl chavicol was higher in the hydroponic culture, but the level of 1,8-cineole was much lower in this cropping system. Foliar spraying of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, or B significantly increased leaf dry weight and anthocyanin content. In field conditions, the highest levels of phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were observed with Zn or Mn application. In the hydroponic system, foliar spraying of Zn or B led to the highest antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Overall, the basil plants cultivated in the field showed higher bioactive ingredients. However, the essential oil of plants cultivated in the hydroponic system had a higher economic value due to its higher percentage of methyl chavicol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytohormones play a crucial role in regulating growth, productivity, and development while also aiding in the response to diverse environmental changes, encompassing both biotic and abiotic factors. Phytohormone levels in soil and plant tissues are influenced by specific soil bacteria, leading to direct effects on plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. Specific plant growth-promoting bacteria can either synthesize or degrade specific plant phytohormones. Moreover, a wide range of volatile organic compounds synthesized by plant growth-promoting bacteria have been found to influence the expression of phytohormones. Bacteria–plant interactions become more significant under conditions of abiotic stress such as saline soils, drought, and heavy metal pollution. Phytohormones function in a synergistic or antagonistic manner rather than in isolation. The study of plant growth-promoting bacteria involves a range of approaches, such as identifying singular substances or hormones, comparing mutant and non-mutant bacterial strains, screening for individual gene presence, and utilizing omics approaches for analysis. Each approach uncovers the concealed aspects concerning the effects of plant growth-promoting bacteria on plants. Publications that prioritize the comprehensive examination of the private aspects of PGPB and cultivated plant interactions are of utmost significance and crucial for advancing the practical application of microbial biofertilizers. This review explores the potential of PGPB–plant interactions in promoting sustainable agriculture. We summarize the interactions, focusing on the mechanisms through which plant growth-promoting bacteria have a beneficial effect on plant growth and development via phytohormones, with particular emphasis on detecting the synthesis of phytohormones by plant growth-promoting bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Salinity poses a significant abiotic stress that limits plant productivity, thereby posing a serious threat to agricultural sustainability and worldwide food security. Techniques that can overcome this problem are needed. Recent focus has been placed on employing organic substances like humic acid (HA) and amino acids, including L‐tryptophan (L‐TRP), to mitigate the negative effects of salt stress on cultivated plants. Accordingly, in this research, the impact of foliar applications of HA and L‐TRP, both separately and combined, on the growth parameters and biochemical properties of spinach subjected to salt stress was investigated. In the present study, eight treatments (1. control, 2. salt (NaCl), 3. HA, 4. L‐TRP, 5. HA + NaCl, 6. L‐TRP + NaCl, 7. HA + L‐TRP, and 8. HA + L‐TRP + NaCl) were investigated. The study showed that salt stress markedly reduced several growth properties in spinach, including plant height, number of leaves, leaf dimensions, and both fresh and dry weight. Additionally, it significantly lowered contents of chlorophyll (a, b, and total), carotenoid, polyphenol, lutein, anthocyanin, polyphenol oxidase, glycine betaine, relative water content, and the antioxidant enzyme activities (ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase). On the other hand, significant increases were observed in sodium, chlorine, potassium, sulfur, zinc, nickel, proline, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide levels of spinach with salinity. Individual and combined applications of HA and L‐TRP positively influenced plant growth, relative water content, activities of antioxidant enzyme, chlorophyll, and mineral contents of spinach under both normal and saline conditions. In conclusion, the combined use of HA and L‐TRP under salt stress conditions is promising in mitigating the negative impacts of salinity and can be suggested as an effective alternative approach for cultivating spinach in saline environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhanced phytoremediation offers a rapid and eco-friendly approach for cleaning agricultural soil contaminated with copper and cadmium which pose a direct threat to food scarcity and security. The current study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two commonly used additives, IAA and EDTA, for the remediation of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) contaminated soils using sunflower and maize. The plants were cultivated in pots under controlled conditions with four sets of treatments: control (0), Cu50/Cd50, Cu50/Cd50 + EDTA, and Cu50/Cd50 + IAA. The results showed that Cu50/Cd50 mg/kg drastically compromised the phytoremediation potential of both plants, as evident by reduced shoot and root length, and lower biomass. However, the augmentation of Cu50/Cd50 with EDTA or IAA improved the tested parameters. In sunflower, EDTA enhanced the accumulation of Cu and Cd by 58% and 21%, respectively, and improved plant biomass by 41%, compared to control treatment. However, IAA exhibited higher accumulation of Cu and Cd by 64% and 25%, respectively, and enhanced plant biomass by 43%. In case of maize, IAA was superior to EDTA which enhanced the accumulation of Cu and Cd by 87% and 32% respectively, and increased the plant biomass by 57%, compared to control treatment. Our findings demonstrate that foliar IAA is more effective than EDTA in enhancing the phytoremediation potential of sunflower and maize for Cu and Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has a rich historical use for various reasons due to its beneficial characteristics including stimulating hair growth, providing antioxidant and antibacterial effects, and functioning as a skin conditioner and fragrance enhancer. The plant is cultivated in Jordan and using it is gaining popularity among the population. Aim of the study: To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of rosemary use among Jordanians. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting at least 385 participants via social media platforms. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was performed by independent researchers. The questionnaire was divided into three main sections including the demographics section, the knowledge section and the attitude toward rosemary use. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression. Results: The study's participants (n = 407) had a mean age of 30.98 years old (SD = 12.76). The mean knowledge score for the participants ranged from -5 to 7, with a mean of 2.96 (SD = 2.61), with younger participants exhibiting higher knowledge scores regarding rosemary. Approximately half of the participants (48.2%) reported using rosemary for medical purposes. About three-quarters reported using rosemary oil, but a higher percentage reported using the leaves. Around three quarters administered it orally or applied it topically. Most participants obtained rosemary by growing it at home or from herbalists. Family and friends were the main influencers for rosemary users. Most of the study participants strongly agreed/agreed that plants possess a healing power (94.4%). The most reported reason for using rosemary was improving the hair condition (82.1%) followed by gastrointestinal problems (67.9%). Conclusions: The study highlights the widespread use of rosemary for different reasons through different methods of application. Addressing misconceptions and enhancing knowledge dissemination may allow informed decision-making and promote the safe and effective use of herbal therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study assessed the impact of using irrigation water contaminated with Azithromycin (AZM) residues on the biomass and antioxidant compounds of purple corn; for this purpose, the plants were cultivated under ambient conditions, and the substrate used consisted of soil free from AZM residues, mixed with compost in a ratio of 1:1 (v/v). The experiment was completely randomized with four replications, with treatments of 0, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L of AZM. The results indicate that the presence of AZM in irrigation water at doses of 1 and 10 μg/L increases the weight of dry aboveground biomass, while at an amount of 100 μg/L, it decreases. Likewise, this study reveals that by increasing the concentration of AZM from 1 to 10 μg/L, total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins double, in contrast, with an increase to 100 μg/L, these decrease by 44 and 53%, respectively. It has been demonstrated that purple corn exposed to the antibiotic AZM at low doses has a notable antioxidant function in terms of DPPH and ORAC. The content of flavonols, phenolic acids, and flavanols increases by 57, 28, and 83%, respectively, when the AZM concentration is from 1 to 10 μg/L. However, with an increase to 100 μg/L, these compounds decrease by 17, 40, and 42%, respectively. On the other hand, stem length, root length, and dry weight of root biomass are not significantly affected by the presence of AZM in irrigation water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry plants need intensive anti-fungal protection. A solution to this problem could be the application of an ozonation process. For this purpose, a technical solution was proposed and implemented in raspberry plant production. The proposal suggests replacing 25% of standard fungicide treatments with ozonation. It was demonstrated that the use of ozone under the proposed conditions made it possible to maintain stable parameters of chlorophyll content and fluorescence (no significant differences), but the intensity of gas exchange was increased. The greatest differences were observed in the second measurement period (T2), when the plants were in the stage of most active development. Additionally, the content and profile of low-molecular-weight antioxidants and the microbial load were determined in the collected fruits. In periods T2 and T3, the proposed method caused a reduction reaching ~2 log cfu g−1 in the microbial content of raspberry fruits. It was shown that ozone treatment intensified the biosynthesis of low-molecular-weight antioxidants in fruit (increasing the total polyphenol content by more than 20%). The proposed scheme allows a 25% reduction in standard fungicide treatments while maintaining the health of cultivated raspberry plants. The reduction in fungicide use aligns with the EU regulations and produces fruit with better quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lunaria annua L. (Brassicaceae) is an ornamental plant newly identified in Europe as a promising industrial oilseed crop for its valuable very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), especially erucic acid (EA) and nervonic acid (NA). L. annua seeds were obtained from annual winter-type plants selected and cultivated in Northern France. Using a systematic multiple-method approach, we set out to determine the profile and content of glucosinolates (GSLs), which are the relevant chemical tag of Brassicaceae. Intact GSLs were analyzed through a well-established LC-MS method. Identification and quantification were performed by HPLC-PDA of desulfo-GSLs (dGLs) according to the official EU ISO method. Moreover, GSL structures were confirmed by GC-MS analysis of the related isothiocyanates (ITCs). Seven GSLs were identified, directly or indirectly, as follows: 1-methylethyl GSL, (1S)-1-methylpropyl GSL, (Rs)-5-(methylsulfinyl)pentyl GSL, (Rs)-6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl GSL, (2S)-2-hydroxy-4-pentenyl GSL, 2-phenylethyl GSL, and 1-methoxyindol-3-ylmethyl GSL. In other respects, the FA composition of the seed oil was determined. Results revealed cultivated L. annua seed to be a source of NA-rich oil, and presscake as a valuable coproduct. This presscake is indeed rich in GSLs (4.3% w/w), precursors of promising bioactive molecules for agricultural and nutraceutical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of burned plant biomass ashes could help not only with respect to utilizing combustion residues, but also with respect to optimizing the nutrition of cultivated agricultural plants without harming the environment. With this aim, a pot experiment of the effects of multi-crop biomass ash on faba bean seedlings was carried out in the Academy of Agriculture of the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU). Four ash fertilization rates were tested: 1. unfertilized (N0, comparative-control treatment); 2. fertilized at a low rate (N1, 200 kg ha−1); 3. fertilized at an average rate (N2, 1000 kg ha−1); 4. fertilized at a high rate (N3, 2000 kg ha−1). Final observations showed that ash fertilization significantly increases the height of faba bean sprouts by 21–38%, the length of the roots by 10–20% and the chlorophyll concentration in the leaves by 17%. The average green biomass of faba bean sprouts consistently increased with increasing fertilization rate, from 56% to 209%. Dried biomass increased by 160–220%. With increasing ash fertilization rate, the percentage of dry matter in the roots decreased by 10–50%. We recommend fertilizing faba bean with medium (1000 kg ha−1) and high (2000 kg ha−1) ash rates, as these rates led to the largest plants with the highest productivity potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Astragalus membranaceus Mongholicus (Astragalus) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in the world. It is a traditional Chinese medicine plant that has been used to treat various human diseases and conditions, such as inflammation, gastrointestinal bacterial infections and malignant tumors. With the expansion of artificial planting areas, the demand for high-quality Astragalus seedlings is also increasing. The traditional seedling-raising methods of direct seeding and induced callus have problems such as a long growth period, unstable genetic traits, strict sampling and rooting difficulties. Therefore, it is very important to multiply the excellent germplasm by optimizing the tissue culture regeneration system. Methods: In this study, Astragalus field cultivated plants, which are easily available, were used as materials and the method of tissue culture cuttings was used to select the direct inoculation method of stem segments as explant materials to establish a plant regeneration system of Astragalus and the best sampling period, sampling site and optimal medium for regeneration of field cultivated plants were screened. Result: The best sampling period for plant regeneration of Astragalus in the field was about 40 d after the emergence of the 3-yearold Astragalus and the rooting rate of the regenerated plants was 100.00%. The best sampling site is the middle section of the stem and the regeneration system using the middle section of the stem as the explant is better than using the top and bottom of the stem as the explant and the rooting rate of the regenerated plants is 100.00%; the best medium for the regenerated plants is N22: 1/2MS+1 mg/L NAA and T28: 1/2MS+1 mg/L ABT, the rooting rates were 76.67% and 96.67%, respectively. The regenerated plants established with the stems of the field cultivated plants of Astragalus as explants were all able to induce seedlings after 1 week and the regenerated seedlings start to take root after 3 weeks of growth and can be transplanted and propagated after 6 weeks of culture. The regeneration system established in this study by direct cuttings from cultivated Astragalus stems is more rapid and efficient, breaking through the difficulties of limited access to material and long growth period of regenerated seedlings in the traditional regeneration system and providing technical support for the conservation and utilization of wild resources of Astragalus and rapid expansion of new varieties and germplasm conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study examines the use of dairy wastewater to cultivate three types of microalgae: Spirulina platensis, Micractinium, and Chlorella. The research found that these algae can effectively remove nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from industrial wastewater. Spirulina sp. and a mixed culture of all three algae performed best, significantly reducing nitrogen levels, while Chlorella sp. also removed a substantial amount of phosphorus. Additionally, microalgae treatment greatly reduced pathogens. These results suggest that microalgae could be a promising method for treating dairy wastewater and improving water quality. This study explores the novel use of mixed cultures of microalgae—Spirulina platensis, Micractinium, and Chlorella—for nutrient removal from dairy wastewater (DW). Microalgae were isolated from a local wastewater treatment plant and cultivated under various light conditions. The results showed significant biomass production, with mixed cultures achieving the highest biomass (2.51 g/L), followed by Spirulina (1.98 g/L) and Chlorella (1.92 g/L). Supplementing DW (75%) with BG medium (25%) significantly enhanced biomass and pH levels, improving pathogenic bacteria removal. Spirulina and mixed cultures exhibited high nitrogen removal efficiencies of 92.56% and 93.34%, respectively, while Chlorella achieved 86.85% nitrogen and 83.45% phosphorus removal. Although growth rates were lower under phosphorus-limited conditions, the microalgae adapted well to real DW, which is essential for effective algal harvesting. Phosphorus removal efficiencies ranged from 69.56% to 86.67%, with mixed cultures achieving the highest removal. Microbial and coliform removal efficiencies reached 97.81%, with elevated pH levels contributing to significant reductions in fecal E. coli and coliform levels. These findings suggest that integrating microalgae cultivation into DW treatment systems can significantly enhance nutrient and pathogen removal, providing a sustainable solution for wastewater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is known to cause a wide range of symptoms in cultivated tomato plants, damaging fruits and crops. Currently, five genotypes of PepMV are known (US1, CH2, EU, LP and PES), which can all infect tomato plants. Tomato seed is a proven pathway for PepMV, and the virus is known to easily spread mechanically during crop handling. A multiplex real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test was developed and validated for the specific identification of PepMV isolates from tomato seeds. This test is designed to be used for diagnostics and seed health tests as a pre‐screen to distinguish negative PepMV samples from suspect samples or as a confirmation test of a positive ELISA or bioassay test result. The multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR test consists of two PepMV‐specific real‐time RT‐PCR tests and a Bacopa chlorosis virus real‐time RT‐PCR test as an internal amplification control. The analytical specificity of the developed test was evaluated by in vitro and in silico analyses. The analytical sensitivity was evaluated by creating three dilution series of naturally PepMV‐infected leaf tissue in healthy tomato seed extracts and the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity were validated on a collection of seed lots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anoplophora chinensis Forster (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is a highly polyphagous and invasive species native to East Asia that makes tunnels in the stems of a variety of broad-leaved plant species and cultivated plant species, as well as citrus and hazelnut. In this study, we collected A. chinensis from hazelnut orchards in Sakarya province of Türkiye, and subsequently recovered the parasitoid Megaselia scalaris (Diptera: Phoridae) from dead adult beetles. The present study reports M. scalaris as a new natural enemy of A. chinensis, and more study is needed on this species' behaviour and biological parameters as a parasitoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this study we have established an effective protocol for the in vitro asymbiotic seed germination of vanilla planifolia. • The highest germination and was recorded when quarter strength salts and vitamins of medium Murashige and Skoog was supplemented with 500 mg L−1 of Casein hydrolysate. • Supplementation of the culture medium with Casein hydrolysate improved in vitro asymbiotic germination of immature seeds of Vanilla planifolia. • The results showed that when a quarter strength of medium Murashige and Skoog was supplemented with combination Casein hydrolysate and Zeatin an important proportion of calluses were formed simultaneously with seed germination. • The immature seeds of V. planifolia germinated due to the effect of harvested stage of maturation of the seed, the low salt concentration of the MS medium and the addition of CH. The germination of Vanilla planifolia seeds under natural environmental conditions is very low (0.1 %) because of specific mycorrhizal requirements. Therefore, the species is typically propagated spending vegetative using stem cuttings. Thus, all cultivated plants are genetically identical and susceptible to multiple abiotic and biotic stressors. Artificial propagation from seeds is difficult for most terrestrial orchids native to temperate regions, and V. planifolia is no exception. As propagation from the seeds of this species has low success rates, in this study, an effective reproducible protocol for the in vitro asymbiotic germination of Vanilla planifolia seeds was established. For this purpose, the effects of three asymbiotic culture media on seed germination and seedling development of Vanilla planifolia [Murashige and Skoog (MS), Vacin and Went (VW), Knudson 'C' (KC)] were tested, two zeatin concentrations (Z = 0.25 and 0.50 mg L−1), two concentrations of casein hydrolysate (CH=50 and 500 mg L−1), and two combinations of these (Z = 0.25 mg L−1 + CH=250 mg L−1) and (Z = 0.50 mg L−1 + CH=500 mg L−1). The highest germination rate (74.5%) was recorded for the treatment with MS salts at a quarter strength supplemented with 500 mg L−1 of CH. All the seeds that germinated under this treatment showed high survival and vigorous seedling growth. In contrast, in the treatment with MS salts at a quarter strength supplemented with combination of CH and Z (CH=500 mg L−1 + Z = 0.50 mg L−1) resulted in the production of calluses (53 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to their nutritional value, their ability to adapt to the various environmental conditions, and their versatility, cereals are among the most cultivated plants in the world. However, the ongoing climate changes subject crops to important environmental stress that for some varieties leads to high production losses. Therefore, the selection of species and varieties that are more versatile and adaptable to different environmental conditions can be important. However, the characteristics of some cereals are not completely known; this is a priority before aiming to improve their cultivation. The aim of this study is to characterize select species that are potentially suitable for local environmental conditions and that possess nutritional value. The elemental composition was assessed in different cereal species grown following intensive and organic agriculture practices. Six species were grown for this study with techniques of intensive agriculture: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli, Triticum durum Desf., variety Claudio, and Avena strigosa Schreb.; four of these were also grown following organic procedures: Triticum monococcum L., Triticum dicoccum L., Triticum aestivum L., variety Verna, and Triticum durum Desf., variety Senatore Cappelli. The study considered twenty elements, including major nutrients (Ca, K, Mg, P, and S), seven micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn), and trace elements with toxic properties (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Na, Rb, Sc, and Sr) that can be accumulated at the seed level. The results highlight the differences in the element concentrations in the cereal seeds in relation to the genus and species; the highest concentrations of the major nutrients appeared in T. monococcum; the concentrations were 6.9, 2.09, 7.2, and 2.9 mg/g for K, Mg, P, and S, respectively. The highest concentrations of certain micronutrients, B, Ca, Mo, and Se (16, 785, 3.69, and 0.34 μg/g), were in A. strigosa. There is also evidence that the element content can be affected by the adopted cultivation procedure; however, the effects of the growing procedure can be significantly different when different species are considered. T. monococcum, grown by an organic procedure, presented lower concentrations of the major nutrients, while it demonstrated a modest increase in the micronutrients in the T. durum variety organic S. Cappelli, and the production procedure did not affect the elemental composition of the T. aestivum variety Verna. The survey also highlights that the studied species and the growing procedure affected the capacity to accumulate and translocate trace hazardous elements for human health at the seed level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: While the effects of fertilizer nitrogen (N) on N fixation in soybean nodules lead to both local inhibition and systemic regulation, the specific mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which systemic N regulation affects soybean root growth and N fixation. Methods: Dual-root soybean plants containing unilateral nodulation were cultivated using grafting and sand culture with the addition of N-containing nutrient solution to the non-nodulated root portion and N-free nutrient solution to the nodulated portion during the VC-R1 period (28 d). The effects of N supplementation on changes in the expression of genes and proteins, as well as metabolite levels, in nodules and roots were examined, together with an evaluation of alterations in metabolic pathways in response to the indirect N supply. Results: The results demonstrated that a 28-day supply of N to non-nodulated part of the root reduced nodulation while promoting the growth of the root system on the nodulation side. A comparative evaluation of the soybean plants cultivated with and without N supplementation revealed that N promoted the synthesis of signaling compounds, such as asparagine and trehalose, in nodules and inhibited flavonoid-associated metabolic pathways. Starch syntheis in nodules under long-term high-N was inhibited while the metabolism of organic acids was enhanced. Long-term indirect N supply also influenced pathways associated with amino acid metabolism and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway in the roots. Conclusion: The different response metabolic pathways of roots and nodules supported the different characteristics of soybean roots and nodules after indirect nitrogen supply. Additionally, the duration of nitrogen supply affects the regulatory pathway of nitrogen fixation of nodules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify what affects mineral nitrogen (N) levels in lettuce by testing how different chemicals extract nitrate and ammonium, using continuous flow analysis for measurement. The study's rationale is to explore how agricultural methods and environmental factors impact the nutrition and safety of leafy greens. In this research, we utilized a collection of lettuce leaf samples obtained from our earlier investigation. The study involved examining different cultivars cultivated in diverse fields or greenhouse settings, using organic or conventional fertilizers, to observe the outcomes. To measure the amount of ammonium in leaf tissue, we assessed extraction solutions of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 2.0 M potassium chloride (KCl), along with distilled water. These evaluations were conducted using leaves from 16 different lettuce plants cultivated under various production conditions. To quantify nitrate, extracting solutions of 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl2), 2% acetic acid, and distilled water with two contact times (15 and 45 min) were evaluated. Increasing contact time increased the recovery of nitrate. Distilled water and calcium chloride were significantly more effective in extracting nitrate than acetic acid. No significant difference occurred between water and the salt solution to extract nitrate from leaf tissue. Moreover, the result revealed that 0.01 M KCl extractant satisfies the recovery of ammonium from the leaves regardless of cultivar, fertilizer source, or amount of N application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonella foenum-graecum L. commonly known as fenugreek, is an important economic and medicinal plant cultivated in various regions of the world. Fenugreek produces several important active chemical constituents that determine its pharmacological properties. The aim of this research was to analyze the volatile constituents spontaneously emitted by eight samples of fenugreek seeds purchased from different Middle Eastern drugstores, including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Egypt, and Iran. A total of 70 constituents belonging to different chemical classes, including monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, phenylpropanoids, apocarotenes, nitrogen/sulfur derivatives, and non-terpene derivatives, were characterized in the volatile emissions of the eight samples, some components with significant olfactory properties were detected such as γ-nonalactone, cumin aldehyde, (E)-cinnamaldehyde, p-anisaldehyde, and eugenol. PCA showed two macro-clusters; the first comprised two sub-groups, while the second included only Yemeni samples. The findings of this study demonstrate that the significant variation for volatile profiles in fenugreek samples which are prone to variations in the geographical origin of these samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decorative plants require skillful pruning by gardeners. However, conventional plant modeling techniques have focused only on the biological growth rules of wild plants and do not yet consider artificial care. In this study, an interactive system was developed for modeling the branching structure of artificially cultivated plants, particularly shrub roses. The structural parameters are designed to reflect the intentions of gardeners and differences between rose varieties. The proposed graphical controllers enable users to intuitively manipulate the tree shape, considering biological growth rules and artificial pruning. The proposed system can be used to efficiently generate the ideal shape and appearance of several types of shrub roses during the blooming season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultramafic soils are characterized by low productivity due to the deficiency of macroelements and high content of Ni, Cr, and Co. Incorporation of ultramafic soils for agricultural and food production involves the use of fertilizers. Therefore, this study aims to find the soil additive that decreases the metallic elements uptake by plant using Brassica napus as an example. In this study, we evaluate the effect of manure (0.5 g N/kg of soil), humic acids (1 g of Rosahumus/1 dm3 H2O; 44% C), KNO3 (0.13 g K/kg of soil), lime (12.5 g/kg of soil), (NH4)2SO4 (0.15 g N/kg of soil), and Ca(H2PO4)2) (0.07 g P/kg of soil) on the phytoavailability of metallic elements. The effect of soil additives on metallic elements uptake by Brassica napus was studied in a pot experiment executed in triplicates. Statistical analysis was applied to compare the effects of additives in ultramafic soil on plant chemical composition relative to control unfertilized ultramafic soil (one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test). The study shows that in almost all treatments, metallic elements content (Ni, Cr, Co, Al, Fe, Mn) is higher in roots compared to the aboveground parts of Brassica napus except for (NH4)2SO4, in which the mechanism of Mn accumulation is opposite. The main differences between the treatments are observed for the buffer properties of soil and the accumulation of specific metals by studied plants. The soils with the addition of lime and manure have the highest buffer properties in acidic conditions (4.9-fold and 2.1-fold increase relative to control soil, respectively), whereas the soil with (NH4)2SO4 has the lowest effect (0.8-fold decrease relative to control soil). Also, the addition of manure increases the biomass of aboveground parts of B. napus (3.4-fold increase) and decreases the accumulation of Ni (0.6-fold decrease) compared to plants cultivated in the control soil. On the contrary, the addition of (NH4)2SO4 noticeably increases the accumulation of Ni, Co, Mn, and Al in aboveground parts of B. napus (3.2-fold, 18.2-fold, 11.2-fold, and 1.6-fold, respectively) compared to plant grown in control soil, whereas the humic acids increase the accumulation of Cr in roots (1.6-fold increase). Therefore, this study shows that manure is a promising fertilizer in agricultural practices in ultramafic soil, whereas (NH4)2SO4 and humic acids must not be used in ultramafic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the primary abiotic stresses that seriously hampers plant quality and productivity. It is feasible to reduce or reverse the negative effects of salt through the supplementation of silicon (Si) and aspartic acid (Asp). However, the question of how exogenous Si and Asp induce salt tolerance in celery remains incipient. Thus, this study was performed to determine the synergistic effects of Si and Asp on the alleviation of salt stress in celery. To this end, the celery plants were cultivated in a controlled regime (light for 14 h at 22 °C; darkness for 10 h at 16 °C) and treated with one of five treatments (CK, 100 mM NaCl, 100 mM NaCl + 75 mg/L Si, 100 mM NaCl + 100 mg/L Asp, and 100 mM NaCl + 75 mg/L Si + 100 mg/L Asp). Results showed that solely NaCl-treated celery plants developed salt toxicity, as characterized by decreased growth, declined photosynthetic ability, disturbed nutritious status and internal ion balance, and a boosted antioxidant defense system (Improved antioxidant enzymes and reduced ROS accumulation). In contrast, these adverse effects of NaCl were ameliorated by the additions of Si and Asp, regardless of Si, Asp, or both. Moreover, the mitigatory impacts of the co-application of Si and Asp on salt stress were more pronounced compared to when one of them was solely applied. Collectively, exogenous Si and Asp alleviate the degree of salt stress and thereby improve the salt tolerance of celery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the growth of Euphorbia tithymaloides L. in soil contaminated with Cr (VI), focusing on plant development, Cr (VI) accumulation in the plant, and associated rhizosphere bacterial communities. Plants were cultivated in pots for a period of 123 days with varying Cr (VI) levels (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg-kg−1) in the soil. As Cr (VI) concentration increased, plant growth indicators such as fresh weight, dry weight, root length, and shoot length were observed to be decreasing. The Cr (VI) concentration peaked in plant tissues under the 40 mg-kg−1 treatment, with concentrations of 397.5 mg-kg−1, 98.12 mg-kg−1, and 62.32 mg-kg−1 in roots, stems, and leaves respectively. Whereas, the total Cr (VI) accumulation was maximum in the 30 mg-kg−1 treatment due to higher plant biomass. Further, the phytoremediation efficiency of the plant was evaluated through the bio-concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF). The BCF indicated soil-to-plant heavy metal uptake capacity exceeding 1, while the TF showed root-to-shoot translocation below 1 for all treatments, implying effective phytostabilisation potential. Metagenomic analysis of rhizospheric soil highlighted dominant bacterial phyla of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria. Many observed bacterial taxa are metal-tolerant and commonly found in heavy metal-contaminated soil, suggesting a potential contribution to mitigating metal toxicity and enhancing plant growth. However, a comprehensive investigation into microbial communities' roles during phytoremediation requires further in-depth research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has resulted in deterioration of natural lands and extinction of indigenous species. Domestic gardens are neglected spots of plants biodiversity. This research aimed to assess domestic garden plants diversity, composition, distribution, and identify the conserved indigenous plant species in a heavily urbanized arid city. Domestic gardens within each district were randomly selected, visited, and surveyed. Cultivated plant species in gardens were identified and counted; their frequencies and abundance levels were calculated. Plant species richness, Shannon, evenness, and Simpson's indices were calculated. More than 12,000 plants belonging to 223 plant species compromising 72 plant families were found. Domestic gardens played a significant role in conserving regionally extinct or endangered native plant species while undesirably sustained exotic and invasive plants. Overall, exotic plants species represented 84% of all identified species. The highest percentage of native plants (29%) was found in Uhod district, while the lowest (11%) was in Jubaiha district. The minimum and maximum proportion of medicinal, poisonous, and fruit bearing plants on a district bases were 9–26%, 9–22%, and 11–43% of domestic garden plants, respectively. The highest species richness (103) was in Zahran, while the lowest (20) was in Al-Madinah district. Shannon diversity index was the highest in Zahran and Sweileh districts. Shannon, evenness, and Simpson diversity indexes revealed Badr Al-Jadidah as the lowest plant diversity district. District history, lots sizes, garden sizes, socioeconomic status, residents' preferences, and housing regulations resulted in variation in plants diversity and species composition. Thus, monitoring species composition in domestic gardens and raising public awareness about plants benefits/risks supports environmental sustainability. Attention should be given to these neglected biodiversity hotspots, especially in arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current study is to identify grapevine rootstocks with the potential to tolerate excessive Cu concentrations. Four grapevine rootstock genotypes were tested: Paulsen 1103, IAC 572, SO4 and Isabel. The plants were cultivated in nutrition solution added to the following treatments: 0.3 µM Cu and 80 µM Cu. Growth, nutrient concentration in tissue and the physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed. Rootstocks showed different growth responses to Cu excess in the solution. SO4, IAC 572 and Isabel markedly reduced growth under Cu excess compared to plants in the control solution, whereas genotype Paulsen 1103 showed a less pronounced effect. The root system of all genotypes presented a Cu increase under a high Cu concentration, as well as higher POD activity and H2O2 concentration than the control. Isabel presented the greatest sensitivity to Cu excess, as shown by leaf wilting and yellowing. Paulsen 1103 rootstock presented smaller changes in the observed parameters in the high Cu concentration solution than in the control solution. Our results indicate that Paulsen 1103 is the most tolerant to Cu excess, whereas Isabel is the most sensitive. There are natural genetic variations in tolerance to this abiotic stress that typically affect grapevine plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on soil nematode communities in undercrown areas of tree plants introduced to and cultivated for a long time in the botanical garden on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island (Arkhangelsk oblast, Russia). Soil nematode communities of natural forests (pine-, spruce-, and birch stands) are studied as the control. The study has demonstrated that the taxonomic diversity and abundance of nematodes, as well as the proportion of plant parasites in the trophic structure of nematode communities in the soil under introduced trees, are higher compared to natural forests. The ecological indices (structure index SI and enrichment index EI) change nonuniformly and so have poor performance as tools for evaluating the consequences of the plant introductions for the soil ecosystem. Correlation analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between the content of carbon and nitrogen in soil and the absolute and relative abundance and the taxonomic diversity of plant parasites, as well as significant negative relationships between C : N and fungal feeders, as well as between the soil pH and the taxonomic diversity of nematodes and the relative abundance of bacterial feeders and EI. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema affine Bovien revealed on the island has been reported for the first time in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND RESULTS CONCLUSION The role of nitric oxide (NO) in plant stress tolerance, as well as in increasing post‐harvest quality, has been extensively demonstrated in several fruits and vegetable crops; however, the effects of its pre‐harvest application on post‐harvest quality are still poorly documented. Therefore, the pre‐harvest application of NO in red beet (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) plants cultivated under well‐watered and drought conditions was evaluated to assess whether it improves the post‐harvest quality of their storage roots. Red beet plants cultivated under well‐watered (80% of water holding capacity) or drought condition (15% of water holding capacity) were sprayed weekly with water (control) or 100 μmol L−1 sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO donor. Sixty‐six days after sowing, red beet roots were harvested, and root yield, total sugar yield, reducing sugars, non‐reducing sugars, proteins, lipids, root ashes, root moisture, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, total phenolics, total betalains, betacyanins, betaxanthins and antioxidant capacity were determined.While drought led to a reduction in root yield, sugars, lipids and titratable acidity, it increased phenolic compounds, betalains and the antioxidant capacity of beets. SNP reversed the negative effects of drought on sugar, lipid and organic acid contents and increased antioxidant capacity independent of stress.Pre‐harvest SNP treatment reversed drought‐induced yield reductions in beets, while boosting bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. It also enhanced vitamin C content independently, indicating its dual role in stress mitigation and beet quality improvement. Future research should explore other crops and stress conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acidic soils cover two‐thirds of Brazil's land, significantly reducing pasture productivity and resilience. Tithonia diversifolia has emerged as a promising forage alternative for such soils. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of different soil acidity levels, determined by base‐cation saturation (BCS) levels, on the anatomical, and morphological analyses of the roots, the nutritional status of the plants, as well as the root and shoot biomass production. A 107‐days greenhouse experiment was carried out, employing a randomized block design with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The factors included two propagation methods (seeds and stem cuttings) and four BCS levels (19%, 39%, 52%, and 63%). There was no observed interaction between propagation methods and BCS levels regarding root and shoot biomass production. This indicates that T. diversifolia's tolerance to acidic soils is not affected by the propagation method. However, stem‐propagated plants exhibited significantly greater root (31% increase) and shoot (26% increase) biomass production compared to seed‐propagated plants. Regardless of the propagation method, T. diversifolia plants grown in soil with a 19% BCS level showed a substantial reduction in root (45% decrease) and shoot (31% decrease) biomass compared to the 63% BCS level treatment. The root anatomy and morphology of T. diversifolia are affected when cultivated in acidic soils with a 19% BCS level. Nevertheless, the Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) test detected some mucilage in T. diversifolia roots, suggesting a potential defense mechanism for Al3+. The shoot biomass of T. diversifolia plants cultivated in soil with a 19% BCS level exhibited greater nutritional values compared to the 63% BCS level. In conclusion, propagation methods have a limited impact on the tolerance of T. diversifolia to acidic soils. Despite the negative effects on root and shoot biomass production, T. diversifolia effectively maintains nutrient uptake even under acidic soil conditions with Al3+ availability of 5 mmolc dm−3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSalmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and thimbleberry (Rubus nutkanus) are important native berry plants for Indigenous communities and restoration sites in the coastal region of British Columbia (BC). Compared to cultivated berry plants, information on the diseases impacting native berry plant species is limited. In late August 2022, powdery mildew symptoms and signs were observed on field plots of salmonberry and thimbleberry plants at the Agassiz Research and Development Centre, BC. The disease symptoms progressed until the end of September. The morphology of conidiophores and conidia when examined under a compound and scanning electron microscope showed they matched with those of Podosphaera aphanis. DNA from diseased foliage was subjected to PCR amplification with primers representing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA followed by sequencing. The corresponding sequences from both hosts showed >99% similarity to P. aphanis in GenBank and grouped with several accessions of P. aphanis following phylogenetic analysis. In artificially inoculated trials conducted in the greenhouse, powdery mildew symptoms developed within 3−4 weeks post-inoculation and P. aphanis isolates from salmonberry and thimbleberry were cross-pathogenic to each host. To our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing the powdery mildew pathogen infecting salmonberry and thimbleberry and demonstrating cross-pathogenicity to both hosts. The outcomes from this study provide insight into the biology of the powdery mildew pathogen infecting native Rubus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apis mellifera, crucial pollinators for both native and cultivated plants, also yield various products such as honey, wax, royal jelly, and propolis, extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Nosema ceranae, a prevalent microsporidian worldwide, stands as a significant pathogen for A. mellifera, showing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Consequently, the exploration of novel compounds for N. ceranae control becomes imperative. Dithiocarbimate derivatives emerge as promising antifungal candidates under evaluation for combating various pathogens, particularly those affecting plants. This study assessed the toxicity profile of six dithiocarbimate derivatives on A. mellifera worker survival and N. ceranae pathogen. Among these, four compounds exhibited minimal bee mortality and proceeded to further evaluation against N. ceranae. In vitro assays demonstrated their inhibitory effects on spore germination. Remarkably, the most potent compound suppressed N. ceranae spores by 62% at a concentration of 20 µmol L−1in vivo. Thus, these dithiocarbimate derivatives represent promising new antifungal agents for combatting nosemosis in honey bee populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harlequin glory bower (Clerodendrum trichotomum) is a shrub or small tree belonging to the Lamiaceae family, native to Japan, Korea, and eastern China. It has esthetic value and in Europe, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its sweet-smelling flowers have a white or pink crown. The calyx turns from green to pink–purple over time, providing an especially decorative touch around surrounding the ripe deep-blue fruits that persist until winter. In the areas of its natural occurrence, the leaves and young shoots of C. trichotomum, and sometimes the roots, flowers and fruits, are used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, sedative, and hypotensive effects. Products based on Harlequin glory are also used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, skin inflammation, or asthma. Preliminary research on the composition of raw material suggests that its health-promoting effect is associated with the presence of numerous secondary metabolites, including phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, steroids, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. This work reviews the current state of knowledge about the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties of the extracts and main active components isolated from C. trichotomum. It also indicates that before it can be used in modern medicine, further research is necessary regarding the safety and efficacy of the raw material, its mechanisms of action, and dosage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Salicylic acid has shown promise in alleviating water stress in cultivated plants. However, there is a lack of studies confirming its effectiveness in cowpea plants grown in field conditions. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the use of salicylic acid as a water stress mitigator in cowpea cultivars under different irrigation depths in field conditions. Methods: Four cowpea cultivars (BRS Novaera, BRS Tapaihum, BRS Pujante, and BRS Pajeu') were subjected to different treatments: control (W100: 100% replacement of crop evapotranspiration - ETc), W50 (50% of ETc), W50+SA2 (50% of ETc + 276 mg L-1 of SA), and W50+SA4 (50% of ETc + 552 mg L-1 of SA). The treatments were combined in a 4×4 factorial scheme with three replications, arranged in a randomized block design. Results: Water restriction had a negative impact on the water status, growth, gas exchange, and production of the cultivars while also leading to changes in the antioxidant metabolism and osmolyte concentration. The application of SA enhanced antioxidant activity and the synthesis of osmotic adjusters under stress conditions. The most effective concentration was 276 mg L-1 in stage R2 and 552 mg L-1 in stage V7, respectively. The BRS Pujante cultivar showed increased productivity under water restriction with SA application, while the BRS Tapaihum was the most tolerant among the cultivars studied. Discussion: In summary, our findings underscore the importance of using SA to mitigate the effects of water restriction on cowpea cultivation. These discoveries are crucial for the sustainability of cowpea production in regions susceptible to drought, which can contribute to food security. We further add that the adoption of new agricultural practices can enhance the resilience and productivity of cowpea as an essential and sustainable food source for vulnerable populations in various parts of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aquaponics is an integrated food production system that links recirculating aquaculture with hydroponics, leading to higher water use efficiency than conventional food production systems while also saving on fertilizers. In the present study, baby lettuce and baby rocket plants cultivated hydroponically in a deep water culture system using wastewater from rainbow trout were evaluated as part of a vertical decoupled aquaponic system. Materials and methods: More specifically, three different nutrient solutions were supplied: a) using fish wastewater only (designated as Fish); b) fish wastewater enriched with synthetic fertilizers (Mix); and c) a typical nutrient solution (Hoagland) as the control. Both lettuce and rocket plants were monitored in these nutrient solutions and in two different substrates, peat and perlite, as an organic and an inert substrate, respectively. The purpose of this study was to assess a vertical decoupled aquaponic system with regard to the resource use efficiency, such as water, land, and energy, while evaluating plant cultivation in the different treatments in terms of yield, growth, nitrate concentration on the leaf tissue, and foliar analysis. The photosynthetic rate and leaf color indices were also considered in the plant evaluation. Results: The Mix-Peat treatment was the most efficient growing combination in terms of land and water use efficiency, with approximately 7% better land use efficiency while using 38% less water and 10% less fertilizer than Hoagland-Peat. Moreover, lettuce plants had the highest yield in the Mix-Peat treatment, at 2,497 gm-2, which was approximately 6% higher than that of Hoagland-Peat while not being inferior in the quality measures. On the other hand, the yield of rocket was significantly higher in the Hoagland-Peat treatment, being 18% higher than that of Mix-Peat and 30% higher than that of Fish-Peat. Overall, the study confirmed that aquaponic systems could lead to higher water use efficiency and savings in fertilizers without undermining the yield and quality of lettuce, while the vertical arrangement developed within the scope of this study can increase the land useefficiency of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The honey bee Apis mellifera plays a significant role as a pollinator of native and cultivated plants, by increasing the productivity of several cultures, preserving the flora, and producing forest seeds. However, bee populations are declining worldwide, including A. mellifera, due to Colony Collapse Disorder, mainly resulting from the constant use of pesticides in the crops. Teflubenzuron is a physiological insecticide that belongs to the benzoylurea group, which inhibits chitin synthesis, the main component of the insect integument classified as safe for non-target insects, including bees. However, its effect on non-target organs of insects remains unknown. The midgut is the main organ of the digestive tract, which works in digestion and absorption and may be exposed to pesticides that contaminate food resources. The present work aimed to verify if the insecticide teflubenzuron is toxic and has histopathological effects on the midgut of A. mellifera adult workers. Workers exposed orally and chronically to the field-realistic concentration of teflubenzuron present 81.54% mortality. The epithelium of the midgut of these bees presents high vacuolization, spherocrystals, cell fragments released to the organ lumen, apocrine secretion, nuclear pyknosis, loss of cell–cell contact, and damage to regenerative cell nests and to the peritrophic matrix. These results indicate that the chitin synthesis-inhibiting insecticide teflubenzuron is toxic to A. mellifera after chronic oral exposure, at realistic field concentration, although it is classified as non-toxic to adult and non-target insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean plants cultivated using mulched drip irrigation planting technology have the following characteristics during the harvest period: green stems and leaves, and a high straw/grain ratio. Moreover, the threshing device of a soybean combine harvester is difficult to adapt to, resulting in an increase in the accumulation and unevenness of the threshed mixture. This leads to an increase in impurity content and the loss rate. We conducted a single-factor experiment on a self-developed longitudinal/axial-flow soybean threshing and separation test bench, employing drum speed, feeding rate, and threshing clearance as experimental factors. The influence of the soybean threshing and separation device's working parameters on the distribution and uniformity of the threshed mixture in the axial and radial directions of the drum was explored through experiments. The results showed that the mass of the threshed mixture and soybean seeds showed a trend of first rapidly increasing and then slowly decreasing in the axial direction of the drum. Additionally, the mass showed a distribution feature of large values on both sides and small values in the middle in the radial direction. A lower drum speed, greater threshing clearance, and a smaller feeding rate make the radial distribution of a threshed mixture more uniform. Based on the combination of the crushing rate and unthreshed rate, the optimal working parameter combination was determined to be as follows: a drum speed of 500 r/min, a feeding rate of 6 kg/s, and a threshing clearance of 25 mm. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for the structural optimization and design enhancement of threshing and cleaning mechanisms within soybean combine harvesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interest in biological pest control using ants in agroforestry and agricultural systems has increased in recent decades due to the diversity and abundance of these insects in different ecosystems. Biological pest control has emerged as an alternative to reduce the impact of production on agroecosystems, and ants play a crucial role in this context. Therefore, this study aimed, based on an extensive and rigorous literature review, to describe the potential of ants as biological control agents, as well as the pests that have been targeted by this control. The search was carried out between July and November 2023, using databases such as Lilacs, Scielo, and Google Scholar. The selected descriptors were "Predatory ants", "Natural enemy ants", and "Chemical defense ants", used in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. These terms were used in isolation and with the Boolean operator "AND". A total of 47 articles published between 1976 and 2023 were reviewed. The results showed that 34 genera and 70 species of ants have potential for use in biological control. Among the most notable genera are Camponotus, Crematogaster, Oecophylla, Pheidole, Solenopsis, and Wasmannia. Their role as biological control agents can be complementary, contributing to the maintenance and balance of agroecosystems through pest predation, which can reach 100% efficiency. The predatory potential of ants has been verified, with an emphasis on biological control against invertebrate pests of cultivated plants. Among the pests potentially controlled by ants are mites, coleopterans, fruit flies, bedbugs, lepidopterans, thrips, mollusks, and other ants. The scientific literature already contains robust evidence proving the potential of ants as biological control agents, especially for invertebrate pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tobamovirus, tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), is a significant concern in global tomato production due to the ineffectiveness of the widely used Tm-22 resistance gene. Our previous study showed that the tomato variety GCR237, a Tm-1 homozygote, resisted an Israeli isolate of ToBRFV (DSMZ PV-1241) for up to 35 days post inoculation (dpi), suggesting Tm-1-homozygous cultivars could control ToBRFV. In the present study, we inoculated GCR237 plants with ToBRFV and cultivated them for a longer period of time. The plants resisted systemic infection up to 50 dpi, but mosaic symptoms appeared on the upper leaves by 100 dpi. We retrieved the virus from symptomatic leaves and established four single local lesion isolates. These isolates had several amino acid (AA) substitutions in the helicase domain of 126-kDa/183-kDa replication proteins, where the Tm-1 protein likely binds to inhibit viral RNA replication. Back-inoculating these isolates onto GCR237 plants confirmed they had acquired the ability to overcome GCR237's resistance and induced mosaic symptoms as early as 14 dpi. About 90% of 229 ToBRFV isolates in the NCBI database had identical AA sequences in the corresponding region to DSMZ PV-1241, while ~ 10% inherently had AA substitutions that would confer complete breaking ability to the Tm-1 resistance. These results suggest that while Tm-1 can inhibit ToBRFV RNA replication, ToBRFV can easily overcome Tm-1 homozygotes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic (As)-contaminated soil reduces soil quality and leads to soil degradation, and traditional remediation strategies are expensive or typically produce hazardous by-products that have negative impacts on ecosystems. Therefore, this investigation attempts to assess the impact of As-tolerant bacterial isolates via a bacterial Rhizobim nepotum strain (B1), a bacterial Glutamicibacter halophytocola strain (B2), and MgO-NPs (N) and their combinations on the arsenic content, biological activity, and growth characteristics of maize plants cultivated in highly As-contaminated soil (300 mg As Kg−1). The results indicated that the spectroscopic characterization of MgO-NPs contained functional groups (e.g., Mg-O, OH, and Si-O-Si) and possessed a large surface area. Under As stress, its addition boosted the growth of plants, biomass, and chlorophyll levels while decreasing As uptake. Co-inoculation of R. nepotum and G. halophytocola had the highest significant values for chlorophyll content, soil organic matter (SOM), microbial biomass (MBC), dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and total number of bacteria compared to other treatments, which played an essential role in increasing maize growth. The addition of R. nepotum and G. halophytocola alone or in combination with MgO-NPs significantly decreased As uptake and increased the biological activity and growth characteristics of maize plants cultivated in highly arsenic-contaminated soil. Considering the results of this investigation, the combination of G. halophytocola with MgO-NPs can be used as a nanobioremediation strategy for remediating severely arsenic-contaminated soil and also improving the biological activity and growth parameters of maize plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andrographis paniculata is one of the most important “Southern Medicines” in China. It is used for clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood and reducing swelling. Its main active ingredient andrographolide has functions in anti-cancer, anti-HIV, anti-inflammation and liver protection. Andrographolide is difficult to be synthesized artificially, mainly relying on extraction from cultivated plant materials. However, the quality of cultivated medicinal materials is affected by various factors such as soil, climate, water and fertilizer managements, and A. paniculata has a long growth cycle, occupying land resources. The technology of plant in vitro culture has significant advantages in rapid propagation of seedling and accumulation of active ingredients, which is one of the important ways to achieve production of active ingredients rapidly and efficiently in A. paniculata. The in vitro regeneration technology system of A. paniculata is becoming increasingly perfect, and the in vitro regeneration technology from explants to complete plants is becoming more and more mature, and it has been applied in seedling propagation and ploidy breeding. At the same time, during callus culture, cell suspension culture, adventitious root culture and hairy root culture of A. paniculata, the accumulation of andrographolide and other active ingredients in the culture could be greatly increased by optimizing the culture conditions and using appropriate inducers. This paper comprehensively and systematically reviewed the research advances on the in vitro culture technology of A. paniculata and production of andrographolide from the aspects of tissue, cell, adventitious root, and hairy root cultures. This paper aimed to provide reference for promoting the development and application of in vitro culture technology of A. paniculata, as well as for the study of in vitro production of andrographolide. It also put forward three aspects that need be focused on in future research on in vitro culture technology of A. paniculata and the production of andrographolides by this technology: (1)To mature and improve the tissues in vitro regeneration technology system of A. paniculata, and to establish a comprehensive and systematic evaluation system; (2)To further increase the yield of andrographolide and other important active ingredients by optimizing the culture conditions and its combination with efficient inducers; (3)To carry out researches in bioreactor culture of the production of andrographolide by cell suspension culture technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractSewage sludge (SS) is a source of nutrients, and it improves the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, thereby increasing crop productivity. Accordingly, this study was aimed to evaluate the growth and development of the silver vase bromeliad (Aechmea fasciata) cultivated in a substrate with different doses of SS. To accomplish this, silver vase bromeliad plants were cultivated for 120 days in pots containing pine bark as a substrate with varying doses of solid SS (0, 18, 36, 54, or 72 g SS L−1). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design, comprising five treatments and four replications, with four plants per pot, totaling 80 plants. Substrate fertilization with SS improved the nutritional status as well as the physiological and morphological parameters of the silver vase bromeliad. Fertilization with 72 g SS L−1 added to pine bark resulted in the best outcomes for plant height and the number of leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]